Photo courtesy of Ross Lavigne

By Scott Roblin

Chamber Response

Chamber weighs in on financial outlook following federal election

Oct 22, 2019 | 5:33 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Among those keeping a close eye on the results of Monday night’s federal election was the Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce.

Touting their national ‘Vote Prosperity’ campaign, the Medicine Hat Chamber was looking for more talk on the economy and finances from all federal parties.

With the Liberal Party forming a minority government, president Sarah MacKenzie said it presents a lot of questions and economic uncertainty, but is hopeful common ground can be met.

“Sometimes with a minority government, this is your opportunity to hold each other to account a little bit more,” said MacKenzie. “Maybe we can steer away from the divisiveness that seems to have been happening over the last year or few years, focus on key priorities, and offer some stability to Canadians and Canadian businesses.”

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According to MacKenzie, many business owners in the Medicine Hat were also eagerly awaiting the outcome of the vote to determine their direction heading into the last few months of 2019.

“Over the past 40 days we’ve heard lots from businesses waiting to see what the outcome of yesterday’s election would be,” she said. “A lot of them were waiting to see, so they could plan their long-term forecasts for their businesses.”

All but one riding in Alberta elected a Conservative candidate, a party that ran on the platform of looking to construct the Trans-Mountain Pipeline to get oil to tidewater.

MacKenzie said it’s clear the economy was top of mind when Albertans cast their ballots.

“I think that just speaks highly that Alberta wants their voice to be heard, that energy is important to our province, and that we’d like to have that represented in Ottawa,” she said. “Hopefully, that’s something we can see going forward.”

Even with the instability that a minority government can pose, MacKenzie added it’s a chance for parties to promote Canada’s businesses both at home and abroad.

“Not voting a majority government shows that Canadians weren’t one way or the other specifically,” she said. “So, this is our time to come together, show businesses that we need to have stable finances in Canada so that they can continue to invest in us and invest in Canadians.”

MacKenzie and the rest of the Medicine Hat Chamber will be meeting with newly re-elected MP Glen Motz on November 12 at their Leadership Breakfast.